I'm an anti purist when it comes to strength and performance training. I don't use only one training tool or only one training method. Why? Simple: I am a purist when it comes to training for Results. Results are THE only thing that matters..... … [Read more...]
Who was that Freak?
Today I was passing by my old middle school that I used to attend back in the late 80's. Wow that was a long time ago. I remember listening to music on casette for crying out loud. I also remembered a guy who was a bit scarey to me and my friends yet I was totally intrigued by him. It just hit me today after all these years because I passed by his house last night. After school, while walking home, there was a house around the corner from the middle school. The driveway had … [Read more...]
Behind the Scenes…
What the heck happens at The Underground Strength Gym?!?!? Many people are asking.... Well, for one, we train in groups. The energy levels are infinitely higher with these groups. The groups are created after a client is screened through a trial session and then placed in a group that best suits his / her needs. Not everyone is accepted into our program because we can not allow a half dedicated individual to ruin the powerful chemistry of our groups. You probably remember me talking … [Read more...]
Q & A on Guaging Progress
Great question just came in after some Easter Festvities with the Family :) I LOVE apending time with my family. My wife and daughter REALLY make every breathing moment a magical time for me. Soon, we'll have a new baby boy in the house. This means I need to be stronger. Why stronger? The more kids I must carry on my back the stronger I must get! Nobody wants a wimpy Daddy! QUESITON: I love your methods and am never bored with my workouts which now closely resemble your own. The only … [Read more...]
What’s the Champion’s Way?
Coach Ethan Reeve told me how he would never stop a kid from doing extra work if they wanted to. The last thing you want to tell a kid who wants to keep working hard is, "Slow down Johnny, take it easy." Hey, if someone wants to work harder and wants that edge, let them go for it. At The USC Gymnasium, we've got a young Football Player / Wrestler who ALWAYS does extra work on his own at the end of the workout. He loves to get a 100 lb sandbag on his back. He carries it around the … [Read more...]
Q & A on Squats
Zach, Question on squats. How often do you include squats in your workout? What kind of squats do you use (zercher, front, breathing, etc.)? Thanks! Jeff ANSWER I personally do squats at least every other week. Usually I alternate deadlifts and squats, but, it's not absolute. There are times where I squat several weeks in a row. I use MANY different squat variations, all of which you'll see outlined through various articles at http://UndergroundStrengthCoach.com There are times where I … [Read more...]
Stay Away from Egos and Assholes
One thing I have learned greatly through the years is that people with egos and attitude problems need to be eliminated from your circle of influence. They're no good for you and they want to bring you down. They also have that "Holier than Thou" attitude where they talk about how great they are, how great their information is, what they say and do is the best, etc, etc. These people can literally brain wash you. Once you begin thinking you are THE Ultimate ________ (fill in blank) you are … [Read more...]
The Guru Who Never Was
This oughtta piss some people off :) I am a student first, teacher second. My primary goal is to learn more and more so I can pass on the knowledge to those who want to learn. Still, I receive some funny e mails from people who claim to be "experts" because they were using stones, or sandbags and kettlebells before anyone else was. I must laugh at this egotistical behavior, but it's also why we have a rule at The Underground web site: No Assholes, No Egos. Some people feel the odd need to … [Read more...]
Where Are all the Seats?
There are NO chairs at my seminars because they are hands on. Yes, you MUST learn by getting your "feet wet" or your "hands dirty" - watching and listening to lecture never cuts it. On April 5th I'll be presenting a seminar with my close friends on how to use Russian Kettlebells, strongman implements, bodyweight drills, program design, and how to use barbells and dumbbells for immediate gains in strength, power and conditioning. My bottom line is this: I do not give information that will … [Read more...]
Eagles Fly Alone
Sometimes it's easy to get caught up in the chaos of "life", so you make things easier on yourself and begin following everyone else. Or, maybe that's not so easy. What sparked this topic today on an early Sunday morning? Most notably, I see a handful of law enforcement personnel training at the gym next door: alternate dumbbell curls with light weights, incline smith machine presses, lat pulldowns...the typical wimpy stuff. Then, we have a few who train at The Underground in Edison, NJ. The … [Read more...]